NCCapital

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to change ownership once again, with venture capitalist Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger agreeing to acquire the NBA franchise for a record $12.5 billion. The deal would establish the highest valuation ever recorded for a professional sports team.

The stunning transaction comes less than a year after Mark Walter acquired controlling ownership of the Lakers from the Buss family for approximately $10 billion. Walter's ownership group took control of the iconic franchise in a deal that itself shattered previous records for the sale of a professional sports team.

The rapid change in ownership means Walter could potentially realize a multibillion-dollar increase in the team's valuation after holding the franchise for only about a year. The $12.5 billion agreement represents a roughly $2.5 billion increase over the price paid by Walter.

Kushner, the founder of investment firm Thrive Capital, and Iger had previously been connected to efforts to bring an NBA expansion franchise to Las Vegas. Rather than pursuing an expansion team, the pair have now made an aggressive move for one of the league's most recognizable existing franchises.

Iger brings extensive experience in the entertainment industry and longstanding connections to professional sports. As the former longtime leader of Disney, he oversaw one of the world's largest media companies and helped shape its relationship with major sports properties and leagues.

Kushner, meanwhile, has built Thrive Capital into a major technology-focused investment firm. His involvement gives the ownership group significant financial and investment expertise as it prepares to take control of one of the world's most valuable sports brands.

The Lakers released a statement announcing the agreement but did not disclose the detailed financial terms or ownership structure. The transaction will also require approval from the NBA before the change in control can officially be completed.

The enormous valuation reflects the Lakers' extraordinary commercial power. The franchise has one of the largest global fan bases in professional sports, a massive media presence, and a history that includes numerous NBA championships and legendary players.

The timing is also significant for the Lakers on the basketball side. The franchise is entering a new era with Luka Dončić emerging as its central superstar following the departure of LeBron James, putting the team's next generation of basketball leadership under the spotlight.

If finalized, the transaction will mark another extraordinary milestone in the rapidly increasing value of professional sports franchises. The Lakers' $12.5 billion price tag demonstrates how valuable premier sports teams have become as investors compete for scarce assets with enormous global audiences, media rights, sponsorship opportunities, and long-term growth potential.